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CITIES WITHOUT HUNGER developed specific technology to build Agricultural Greenhouses using alternative materials much cheaper than the traditional ones. We used materials that could be found in the city of São Paulo. Wood usage increased the construction price of greenhouses; however we believe that better results can be achieved in other regions of Brazil and the world due to lower wood costs. In other regions alternative materials can be used such as eucalyptus, pine and even bamboo or any other material available. The construction process and the methodology used can be modified and improved. The methodology, the description of the entire construction project, construction tracking and monitoring, as well as the photographic documentation were done by our colleague Regis Eder Neu – cidadessemfome@uol.com.br, Family Farming and Sustainability Technologist, graduated from Federal University of Santa Maria / RS.

Why should Agricultural Greenhouses be built?

Agricultural plastic, also called agricultural film used in greenhouses was developed so that the sunlight (radiant energy) can easily pass through the structures during the day, because the plastic film is transparent to radiation, which has a certain frequency. During the night, when heat waves, which have a different frequency from sunlight, are emitted inside the greenhouse, the heat waves are blocked because the agricultural plastic film is opaque for this type of radiation, and it retains most of the heat inside the Agricultural Greenhouse. The photosynthesis process and oxygen production are accelerated in favorable environments – hot and humid – which provide faster growth, better flowering and fruiting. Producers need to protect their crops especially during the most adverse weather periods, and this is the main reason for building greenhouses. Crop protection is increasing throughout the world, avoiding damage caused by storms, frosts, blizzards, hail, extreme cold, or bad weather. The usage of Agricultural Greenhouses enables a better growth of plantations, increases productivity; it provides larger crop numbers per year and in between harvests. Agricultural Greenhouses help to improve product quantity and quality regardless of the climatic variations, thus contributing to food security and providing family income.

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About the organisation

CIDADES SEM FOME (CITIES WITHOUT HUNGER) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) which has set up sustainable agrarian projects in urban and rural areas based on organic farming. The aim is to help and teach people to manage their own business and become financially independent. Community Gardens, School Gardens and Agricultural Greenhouses have been developed on unused and neglected public and private areas within social focal points to provide jobs and improve the diets of adults and children. In 2009 the Small Family Farms Project, the organizations fourth project, has been set up in Rio Grande do Sul, to train farmers in multiple cropping as an alternative to monoculture and help them starting new businesses in organic farming.

CITIES WITHOUT HUNGER was founded in 2004 in São Paulo by Hans Dieter Temp, who has a degree in Business Administration, and is a Technician for Agriculture and Environmental Policies. In 2013 Hans Dieter Temp was selected and awarded with the title Social Entrepreneur “Changemaker” by Ashoka. CITIES WITHOUT HUNGER has received numerous national and international awards, such as the Milton Santos Award in 2014, created to honor entities and people who have contributed with the city of São Paulo. In 2012 CITIES WITHOUT HUNGER was selected by Caixa Econômica Federal for its commitment to the realization of the UN-Millennium Goals. The organization was also awarded with the Dubai International Award for Best Practices 2010 (UN-HABITAT).